Introduction Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin is a highly polyphagous invasive pests native to Central America. The occurrence of A. rugioperculatus was first reported from India, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu in 2017. It is widely distributed in India, causing severe economic damage to coconut and other horticultural crops. A. rugioperculatus has emerged as major pest on coconut, oil palm, banana, guava and several other host plants in India. Severe infestation of RSW in coconut caused on an average 38 percent nut yield loss and 20–25% bunch yield reduction was reported in oil palm. A comprehensive damage symptom, host plants, bioecology and integrated management strategies has been provided. Major states affected: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala Damage symptoms Nymphs and adults of the whitefly suck the sap on the under surfaces of the leaflets. It also secretes copious amount of honeydew which promotes the development of sooty mould growth that hinders photosynthesis activities of the plant Presence of egg spirals on leaf petiole as well as on tender coconuts Host plants Coconut and banana are found to be common and most preferred hosts. The other host plant includes Heliconia, Guava, Henna, Mango, Arecanut and Oil palm. Identification and biology Adults are larger in size and having two pale brown wavy markings on the forewings The females are slightly larger than males. Males have long pincer-like structures at the end of their abdomen Eggs are yellowish in colour and elliptical in shape. Eggs are laid singly on the under surface of the leaves Nymphs are yellowish in colour and produce a dense, cottony wax and also develop white wax filaments. Integrated management strategies for RSW Monitoring RSW adults are found to be active during morning between 06.00A.M. to 10.00 A.M. and in evening dusk time between 6PM to 10.00 P.M. Monitoring the population of whiteflies through instalment of yellow sticky traps. For monitoring and mass trapping of the adults, setup yellow sticky traps (size 5x1.5 feet) smeared with caster oil @ 20 Nos./ac in between the trees or on the trunk portion smeared with castor oil. Apply castor oil adhesive as and when required. Along with this use tube light to attract the adults, according to the farmers experience it is working well. Regular survey and monitoring the pest activities at weekly intervals Cultural control Select pest free coconut seedlings. Avoid transportation of seedlings from infested areas or palms Follow proper spacing and intercultural operations Application of recommended doses of fertilizers Enforce strict domestic quarantine measures to prevent the spread Encourage/ conserve natural enemies population through growing reservoir plants/ banker plants like Banana and Henna. Mechanical control Installation of yellow sticky traps on the palm trunk @ 15 /acre Use forced water spray on the lower surface of leaflets to dislodge the adult populations Installation of yellow light traps. Biological control Augment/ conserve the coccinellids and neuropteran predators Encourage the build-up of parasitoid Encarsia guadeloupae and re-introduce parasitized pupae in the whitefly-infested orchards. Periodic release of Dichochrysa sp. nr. astur @ 1000 eggs/ha at 15 days interval Foliar application of entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea @ 2 × 108 spores/ml (5g/litre of water) at 15 days interval Under severe outbreak condition neem oil 1% may be applied Starch solution 1% mixed with detergent/ Khadi soap @ 5g/ litre of water may be used to dislodge the sooty mould growth on the leaves Spray with boiled maida flour paste @ 25 g/ lit of water will remove flakes of sooty mould from the upper surface of the leaves in the affected palms. Contributed by : Dr. Maruthadurai. R, ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa, Goa. Email : duraiento@gmail.com Related resources TNAU - Integrated management of rugose spiralling whitefly in coconut IPM package of practice for Management of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (RSW) (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) in Coconut ICAR-NBAIR curtails dangerous Invasive Rugose Spiralling Whitefly through Innovative Biocontrol Strategies